Introduction to Quantum Computing: Chapter 1 Basic Quantum Physics Principles — by Shubhransh Rai
The current world is great (almost) and it’s greatness is owed to the exceptional talent that went into the creation of computers, well to put it specifically, Classical computers.
Hi, I’m Shubhransh Rai, Founder and CEO of RaiGen Establishment and a researcher in the field of Quantum Computing.
Why did I feel the need to distinguish a computer into a classical computer you ask? Well because for a while now, there’s been a new player in town, referred to as Quantum Computer.
To understand what a quantum computer is, we must understand some core principles of computing, quantum physics and quantum mechanics specifically, yes it’s a very hefty subject and this isn’t going to be a fun blog.
Basic Understanding of Quantum Physics for Quantum Computing
Quantum computing stands at the intersection of wonder and science, wielding the extraordinary principles of quantum physics to revolutionize computation. Rooted in the strange and beautiful behavior of particles at the smallest scales, quantum physics provides the tools to shatter the boundaries of what classical computers can achieve.
Superposition: Beyond Binary Thinking
Imagine a world where a particle isn’t confined to a single state but can inhabit multiple possibilities at once. This is superposition, the cornerstone of quantum physics. In classical computing, a bit is only either a 0 or a 1. In the quantum realm, however, a qubit can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously, unlocking a computational universe teeming with possibilities. It’s as though quantum computing grants us access to parallel realities, processing a multitude of outcomes at once with unprecedented efficiency.
Entanglement: Correlation Beyond Distance
One of the most fascinating aspects of quantum physics is entanglement, a phenomenon in which two or more particles become interconnected such that the state of one instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. Entanglement allows qubits to be linked in ways that enhance computational power and efficiency, enabling the implementation of quantum algorithms that outperform their classical counterparts in specific tasks. A particle entangled with another would change its nature millions of light years away in an instant if triggered at a distance far away to its entangled counterpart.
Wave Functions and Probabilities
The behavior of quantum systems is described by a mathematical construct called the wave function, which encodes all possible states of a particle. According to the Born rule, the probability of observing a particular state is given by the square of the wave function’s amplitude. Manipulating these probabilities is at the core of quantum computation, where carefully designed operations guide systems toward the desired outcomes.
Measurement and Collapse
In quantum physics, the act of measurement collapses a quantum state into a definite outcome. This interplay between potentiality and reality is crucial in quantum computing, as it determines the final output of a computation. However, controlling the measurement process without introducing errors remains a significant challenge.
Challenges: Decoherence and Error Correction
Quantum systems are inherently fragile, with their states susceptible to environmental disturbances, a phenomenon called decoherence. This makes error correction and maintaining system coherence vital for practical quantum computation. Advances in quantum error correction codes and physical system design are paving the way for more robust quantum machines.
Quantum computing’s reliance on these principles highlights the profound connection between theoretical physics and technological advancement. By mastering these concepts, humanity is unlocking new possibilities that could redefine the limits of computation.
In the next chapter I will introduce how to delve into Quantum Computing.
